Production Manager II (Ready to Eat Foods) - Lenexa, KS

Compass Group USA; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Compass Group USA, through its Canteen/ Fresh & Ready Foods division, is seeking a Production Manager II (Ready-to-Eat Foods) to lead daily production in a Lenexa, KS facility. You will oversee planning, staffing, and delivery of high-quality items while upholding safety and regulatory standards.

The role requires managing budgets, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment. Bilingual (English/Spanish) abilities are required.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish required to support a diverse workforce.
• Bachelor of Science in Food Service Technology, Food Management, or related field preferred; or an associate degree with 4+ years of related experience.
• 4+ years in hands-on foodservice or food manufacturing operations management.
• Experience in fresh, prepared, and ready-to-eat food production environments.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and cost control.
• Experience with P&L responsibility preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; ServSafe certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of fresh food production with ownership and accountability.
• Plan and coordinate daily production activities for timely, efficient, high-quality output.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting of operational finances.
• Ensure compliance with meal requirements, recipes, portions, and quality standards.
• Oversee food preparation, storage, labeling, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor inventory, investigate discrepancies, and maintain production records.
• Hire, train, and develop production staff to meet goals.
• Collaborate with management and Operations Director to align priorities.
• Participate in safety and quality meetings to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure proper equipment operation and adherence to policies.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

P&L responsibility

Foodservice familiarity

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's/Associate degree in related field

Job description

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Production Manager II (Ready to Eat Foods) - Lenex

Position Title: Production Manager (Ready to Eat Foods)

Salary:$85,000 - $90,000 / year

Other Forms of Compensation: Yearly Bonus Opportunity

Fresh & Ready Food Group is a member of Canteen. Canteen sets the national standard for excellence in automated retail, and EVERY segment of our business is thriving.We employ the best team in the industry and their dedication, collaboration and passion fuel our growth. YOU bring enthusiasm, customer service, and commitment; we’ll supply the opportunity and innovation. TOGETHER we’ll continue transforming the micro-market, dining, coffee, and vending industry.

Job Summary:

The Production Manager (Ready-to-Eat Foods) is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating daily production operations within a food manufacturing facility. This role ensures the efficient preparation and timely delivery of high-quality finished food products while maintaining strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards. The Production Manager leads and develops production staff, manages operational and financial performance, and partners with cross-functional leadership to drive continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead all aspects of fresh food production with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Plan and coordinate daily production activities to ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality food preparation.
• Manage operational financials, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
• Maintain compliance with meal requirements, standardized recipes, portion controls, and quality standards.
• Oversee food preparation, storage, labeling, sanitation, and adherence to all regulatory and food safety requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels, investigate discrepancies, and ensure accurate food safety and production records.
• Hire, train, coach, and develop production staff to meet operational and performance goals.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with associates, management, clients, and customers.
• Partner closely with department managers and the Director of Operations to align daily production priorities.
• Participate in management, safety, and quality meetings to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure proper equipment operation and maintenance while enforcing company policies and procedures.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required to support a diverse workforce.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service Technology, Food Management, or a related field preferred; or associate degree with a minimum of four (4) years of directly related experience.
• Four (4) or more years of hands-on foodservice or food manufacturing operational management experience.
• Demonstrated background in fresh, prepared, and ready-to-eat food production environments.
• Strong understanding of food and catering trends with an emphasis on quality, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
• Proven experience with P&L responsibility is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of financial, budgetary, accounting, and operational metrics.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with hourly staff, management, and clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, email systems, and internet-based tools.
• ServSafe® certification preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

• Ability to work 8-10 hours per day based on operational needs.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in refrigerated environments (34°F-40°F).
• Ability to push, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in fresh, refrigerated, or frozen food manufacturing operations.

Apply to Canteen today!

Canteen is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.

At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Canteen maintains a drug-free workplace.

Fresh & Ready Foods